WeAreWestminster » Exploring Brussels: A Journey of Learning and Discovery with Broadening Horizons BSc Accounting

Exploring Brussels: A Journey of Learning and Discovery with Broadening Horizons BSc Accounting

March 10, 2025
Finance and money International Student experience
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Day 1

We had an enriching experience when we travelled to Brussels, Belgium, for our university trip. Before taking a walk through the Grand Place, where our tour guide, kindly organised by Odisee University, shared insights into Belgium’s fascinating history and marvelled at the magnificent architecture, we first visited the well-known “Manneken Pis” monument. We resumed our tour by exploring the city’s distinctive marble buildings along the pedestrian-friendly streets. After the tour around the streets of Belgium, we visited Odisee University, where we attended a talk about the campus’s core values and their importance to both students and staff. Following this, there was a thought-provoking lecture on sustainability reporting, highlighting the significance of transparent and responsible reporting practices in fostering environmental and social accountability. Next, we went to an engaging EFRAG accounting presentation that addressed how SMEs deal with the challenges of accounting. We then had an informative discussion about digital footprints and how they affect employability, emphasising the crucial importance of managing one’s online presence in the modern job market.

Day 2

The following day was jam-packed. We started by getting up early and visiting the EU Parliament, where we had a lovely presentation on how the EU was formed and how members are picked, including the intricate process of elections and appointments. After that, we visited the Parlamentarium, where we saw how huge and fascinating this room was. Our guide also shared extensive information on how a law is passed by the members and how they are able to translate it into multiple languages, ensuring it is accessible to all member states.In the afternoon, we visited the House of European Parliament History. The layout was really cool, and we learned a lot about how different countries recorded their history and how the EU was formed, including the key milestones and treaties that shaped its development. We then went to the Parlamentarium Museum, where we explored fascinating exhibits about the formation of EU member countries and how the EU collaborates to support each nation, fostering unity and cooperation across Europe.Afterwards, we visited Accountancy Europe, where we learned about their important role in the accounting industry. They focus on promoting sustainable accounting practices, helping organisations to report their environmental and social impacts responsibly. Their efforts in combating fraud are crucial in maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial reporting. Accountancy Europe also provides valuable support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by offering guidance and resources to help them navigate complex accounting regulations and challenges. Additionally, Accountancy Europe is dedicated to fostering the next generation of accounting professionals. The organisation is strongly committed to sustainability, driving initiatives that promote responsible and ethical accounting practices across Europe.

Day 3

On Thursday, we had an enlightened presentation on how to curate CVs, cover letters, and interview tips. In the afternoon we visited the Bank Museum of the National Bank of Belgium, where we learnt about the history and evolution of banking in Belgium, as well as the role of the central bank in the country’s financial stability.

Overall, it was a fun and a great experience that provided us with valuable knowledge and lasting memories. We returned with a deeper understanding of Belgium’s history, the role of the EU, and the importance of sustainable accounting practices.